Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-07-29
Eyow Nnecn Victoria Travcls.

SecOEd-ciGSS matter.
EEow Qmecn Victoria travels.
The English press, in referring to the ex
traordinnry precautions observed in connec-
ton with the recent journey of the Car to
tho Don Cossack country, comment on the
unfortunate state of affairs in Russia which
renders the adoption OF such measures ne.
cessary.
From this i, would appear that they are
ignorant of the fact that almost identical
regulations are in force whenever Queen
Victoria travels through any part of her do
minions, no matter whether it he from Os-
borne to BaImoral or from Windsor to Lon
DON Indeed, the precautions for her safety
are very elaborate, and will surprise most
people.
The regulations for her Majesty's journey
ill several foolscap pages, including the
time tables, which occupy two pages. The
times of departure and arrival having been
mentioned, and the metals on which the
train will travel specified, the regulations
provide:
l. For pilot engine, accompanied by the
locomotive superintendent of tie particular
district travelled over, and by guard, with
lamps, flags, and fog signals. The engine pre-
cedes theroyal train at uniform rate ofspeed
and is always fifteen minutes in advance oft.
.. The drivers and firemen, as well as the
eugines For the royal train, are specially Sc
lected. Telegraph men accompany the
train under a superintendent, and brake
men, filters, lampmen, and greasers travel
in the train all the way, keeping constant
watch. at stopping places they must alight
and examine tho train and grease the axle
boxes.
3. A lookout is placed on the tender ofthe
engine. and. seated with his face toward the
engine, observes any signal that may be
given by the occupants. This position is by
no means an enviable one, as may be imag-
ined, particularly at night, when more than
ordinary vigilance is required.
The above area few of the precautions
which the railroad companies adopt TO Sc
cure her Majesty's safety, and her comfort
is no less carefully studied. For thirty min.
utes previous to the Queens coming no
train, not even q light engine, by which is
meant an engine without carriages attached,
or any kind of vehicle is permitted to pro
ceed upon or cross the main line, the pilot
engine alone excepted. Not only are all
these regulations enforced on the down line,
but On the up line also it is commanded that
drivers must reduce their speed to ten miles
an hour and on no account open the whistle
when passing her Majesty s train. Further
more, no passenger trains are permitted TO
arrive or even pass through the stations
while the Queens train Is stopping at such
stations for refresh ments OR TO change en-
gues.
The passengers arriving at Perth, after
travelling all night, are frequently detained
for over an hour on siding outside the de-
pot, while the Queen is breakfastinG, before
they are allowed to alight. Not only are
these rules expected to be, and are, strictly
conformed to, but all goods trains are ex-
amined TO sec if anything is projecting
which might strike the royal train. No
driver is permitted to allow his engine to
blow OIL steam or to permit any smoke to
escape. or to whistle while on siding near
the Queen, or while she is passing. The
facinn and other points are properly secur-
ed and bolted before the royal train passes
the gates or level crossings, where there are
no gate keepers, are locked an hour before
the Queen comes; and q long line Of plate
layers are stationed at stated intervals with
in hail Of one another, like arrow OF sentries,
to guard the permanent way.
Special telegraphic signals are employed.
The public are excluded from the stations,
and the servants of the company must per-
form their duties silently and without noise.
In this luxurious and eminently peaceful
manner, in as strict privacy as if IN her own
apartments, does the Queen speed across
England by day or night. While she is
sleeping peacefully or tossing in bed. while
the moon shines or the thunder rattles,
through g calm or storm, the royal train
continues in the darkness and almost IN
silence. monster engine rushes by
fifteen minuts afterwar0 the lights OF
the Queens train flash past, and then,
after q pause. the hand of discipline Is
partlv relaxed Locomotives run oh on
errands to reclaim wandering carriages,
goods engines snort and sneeze again, facing
points are left as usual, gates are unlocked,
the plate layers return to bed, station mas
ters turn in and leave the platform to the
porters and the stars, the servants OF the
railroad company once again revel III bang
ing milk cans and luggage about with their
ordinary disregard for other peoples prop.
erty. Brakemen OF goods trains get into
their vans, and apparently don't care
whether anything projects or not; express
drivers rush by whistling in their regained
freedom. The royal train has passed. Inc
iine assumes its normal condition. just as
the arrival of the Prince started the sleep
ing palace into life so is the departure Of
the Queen the signal for the resumption of
the bustle and noise and turmoil which her
presence or her approach had mesmerized
into silence and restfulness.
The Queens saloons are in the centre Of
the train, and these commodious carriages,
fitted for day or night travelling, her Majesty
occupies with Princess Beatrice.
There are two beds in the sleeping apart
ment which opens from the day saloon. The
beds are simple, matching the green and
nilt fnrnitIlre and fittinps and are some.